I was having a chat with some fellow auto DIY friends when the issue of TopDon TopScan subscription price came up, after a few bottles of beer and a joke (challenging just about the mechanical proficiency of everyone on the table that evening).
Despite the effect of the alcohol, there was an accord regarding TopDon’s quality and offer: every DIYer present agreed that the company makes truly awesome products at a reasonable price point.
The challenge came when the subscription fees were tabled. Immediately after the issue came on board, one of my friends shouted: “TopScan subscriptions don’t make sense! There should be no renewal fees at all!”
Alcohol had started speaking, and no one took him seriously. Immediately, we all pounced on the idea that the fees should be scrapped. How was the company to keep being motivated to continue rolling out updates and making the pocket scanner better?
Another (equally) alcohol-induced suggestion was to the effect that the subscription fees be lowered.
To what? Someone asked.
Another countered that the fees were already as low as they could be (and highly competitive for that matter). This (newly) drunk fellow also added that it was possible to pay monthly, quarterly, etc, in that manner.
That’s where the gibberish got into full gear, and that idea, too, was thrashed, rightly.
At the end of the day, nothing came of the discussion, except for the fact that all semi-drunk (and fully drunk) auto DIY mechanics present both loved TopDon (for its amazing capability) and hated it (for the fees).
All through the debate, I kept quiet, thinking about the issue silently. Today, after long thought and reflection, I’ll share what I think about TopDon TopScan subscription price and whether (or not) it’s worth subscriptions in the first place.
First things first: how much is TopScan’s renewal fee?
Article Outline
How Much Is TopScan’s Renewal Fee?
TopDon’s TopScan renewal fee is $49.99 (for TopScan Lite) and $99.99 (for TopScan Pro) as of the time of writing this. However, there’s a year of grace, starting from the time of registration, when these fees do not apply.
If, for instance, you buy any of TopScan’s offerings on January 1st, 2025, you have the whole year to use your device before being bothered with renewal fees.
Once the world ushers in 2026 (and everyone begins to shout ‘Happy New Year’), you’ll know that you have some fees to pay if you’re to keep using your scan tool in the manner you’ve come to enjoy it.
Will TopScan Work Without a Subscription?
Yes. Basic functions such as I/M readiness will still work. However, full system diagnostics, the ability to read and clear fault codes from other modules such as the tranny and ABS, data streams, bi-directional control, and importantly, software updates will cease to work (or happen).
The unit will essentially be a ‘vegetable’ (read: basic code reader) when (and if) such a time comes. What is an OBD II scanner that can’t read or clear tranny (or ABS) codes at the very least?
Amazing functions that make the TopScan one of the best options today in terms of service rendering (like AutoAuth) will also be locked – and out of reach, if you decide to let the grace period elapse (or figure out that you don’t need an active subscription).
The lack of Secure Gateway Access will still be lost, assuming you have an active AutoAuth subscription running.
TopDon TopScan Subscription Price: Is the Pocket Scanner Worth the Fees?
Yes, in my opinion.
I’ve used the TopDon TopScan for several months now, and all I have for the little Bluetooth scanner is praise. I can’t imagine a situation where the many features I’ve come to depend on will fail to work in the manner expected of them when I need them.
Its ‘size to power ratio’ is almost seductive, if one is allowed to term it that way. The shock on the faces of car dealers (and less than honest vehicle sellers) when I go for an inspection and find all the faults cleared before I came, in a few minutes, always remains PRICELESS.
I hold the above thoughts, irrespective of what my fellow auto DIY friends say or believe, drunk or sober.
However, there’s something else I’ve been thinking of, recently too: the biggest selling point of the TopScan is its super affordable price point. Anyone can easily buy the unit even on a budget.
That said, this price goes even lower than expected during special times like Black Friday or Amazon Prime.
Now, here’s what I’ve been thinking: does it still make sense to renew the unit, after the complimentary one year, when its retail price falls around (or even below) the annual subscription fee?
Won’t it make better economic sense to simply buy another unit and enjoy another year of complimentary access, all while making sure that you have the latest, newest hardware in the process?
This is what my sober brain has been thinking. Unlike my drunk friends, I haven’t made up my mind yet but will, as the months round up nicely into a year; the year that will mean I’ll need to decide on my ‘renewal route’.
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Throttle Lan
DIY Mechanic and Freelance Auto Writer